BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) on Tuesday disclosed that the full-scale probe into Abuja–Kaduna service derailment at Asham Train Station on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, which disrupted services along the busy corridor, was ongoing, assuring that needed technical details and hardwares have been fully secured.
Twelve passengers sustained minor to moderate injuries with zero fatalities.
According to the NSIB, the ill-fated train, designated AK1 and operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), left Abuja’s Idu Station at 9:45 a.m. with 583 passengers and crew on board.
He added; It stopped briefly at Kubwa Station before continuing its journey north. But shortly after negotiating a track switch at Asham, five coaches derailed.
According to officials, the forward locomotive and two passenger coaches overturned, while the rear locomotive and the last coach managed to stay on track.
Though eyewitnesses initially feared up to 50 passengers may have been injured, official figures confirmed 12 cases of minor to moderate injuries.
No deaths were recorded. Injured passengers received first aid before being transferred to medical facilities for further treatment.
NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jnr., speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, assured the public that the derailment would be thoroughly investigated.
“Our mandate is clear: to uncover what happened, why it happened, and how to prevent a recurrence. This investigation is not about blame but about safety,” Captain Badeh said.
Emergency responders from the NRC, supported by military personnel and security agencies, secured the accident site.
However, the derailment caused significant damage to the track, sleepers, and switching system, forcing a temporary suspension of services.
Captain Badeh stressed that the investigation will be carried out independently in line with the Railways (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Regulation 2024.
“We have appointed an Investigator-in-Charge who will oversee the process, from gathering evidence to analysing train data such as speed records, CCTV footage, and control systems.
“Our ultimate goal is to issue safety recommendations that will make Nigerian rail travel safer and more reliable,” he explained.
The NSIB boss added that all evidence — including locomotives, rolling stock, and technical data — had been secured to prevent tampering.
Investigators will also review maintenance records, interview crew and passengers, and examine the affected section of track.
He further assured victims and their families of continued support during the investigation process.
“We recognise the trauma this incident has caused. Family assistance remains a critical part of our work, and we will continue to engage survivors and their loved ones with accurate updates,” Badeh noted.
The Bureau is expected to release a Draft Final Report containing factual findings, analysis, conclusions, and safety recommendations, followed by a public Final Report.
Interim statements may also be issued to keep the public informed.
For now, the NSIB has urged Nigerians to remain calm, promising that lessons from the incident would strengthen railway safety across the country.
